It’s a fact that something exciting always takes place in Berlin, making it a great place to live and visit. Whether it’s a festival, concert, themed market, or any other type of event, they all tend to be hugely popular. But if you’re a runner, one event you’ll want to know about is the BMW Berlin Marathon 2025. This event will take place on 21 September 2025 and will give participants a chance to run one of the biggest marathons in the world. It’s not just for participants either; the event draws huge crowds of spectators.
So, let’s look at the BMW Berlin Marathon and all its essential details.
Breaking Down the Main Stats of the BMW Berlin Marathon
Before we dive into the details, let’s look at the basic statistics and facts of the BMW Berlin Marathon. In 2024, 54,280 racers crossed the finish line after running 42,195 m. The race has spurred 13 world records, the most ever in any marathon, and draws hundreds of thousands of spectators dotted all along the race course.
Kids and Youth Have a Different Option
The BMW Berlin Marathon is only open to adults, but kids aren’t left out. The Mini-MARATHON, organized by GENERALI, is organised for kids and youth born in 2006 or later looking to understand what a marathon is all about. This event takes place on 20 September 2025, is just over 4.2 km long, at the corner of Potsdamer Straße and Ebertstraße.
Another option is the Bambini-Run presented by ADAC, which also takes place on 20 September at the Marathon EXPO. This course is 200 m to 1000 m for kids up to age 10.
Lastly, the R5K Tour Final is also on the same day. This one takes place on Potsdamer Platz, with the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate. It is 5 km long and is for youth ages 12 to 22.
The Lively Environment Helps Boost Participation
Generally speaking, most marathons attract runners fairly easily. What isn’t always possible is attracting as many runners as the BMW Berlin Marathon. There’s the chance you might set a personal best or world record, but there’s also the action surrounding the race.
The BMW Berlin Marathon is well-known and highly respected, adding instant credibility to your race portfolio when you register. On the day of the race, the spectators help keep the runners motivated to finish, but so does the atmosphere, as more than 80 bands are scheduled to perform this year. That means runners will be treated to musical entertainment the whole way.
Racers can also take advantage of refreshments along the way, with isotonic drinks, tea, water, and fruit at some stands. These are well positioned along the route, so racers don’t have to go far between refreshment points.
What About Racers Who Aren’t Trying to Set a Personal Best?
Signing up for a marathon is a huge step, though that step feels even bigger when standing at the starting line surrounded by tens of thousands of other racers. What happens if you just want to have fun and complete the marathon? Is this the wrong race for you?
It comes down to your expectations. The only limiting factor here is that there is a time limit. The maximum time allowed is 6:15 hours from when the racer crosses the start line. That gets further broken down as you look at the checkpoints. Participants must reach the 33 km mark by 3:50 and the 38 km mark by 4:35. If they don’t hit these milestones, they must leave the official route.
Pacemakers are also worth noting, starting in each of the four waves. They carry pacer flags and have the corresponding finish times to ensure they are easy to spot.
Important Details to Know
The BMW Berlin Marathon begins at Straße des 17. Juni, near Bellevueallee, but this isn’t where you arrive for the race. Runners need to enter opposite the Reichstag building. Every racer who enters the race gets a medal and souvenir at the finish line. A MIKA TAG transponder is attached to each racer’s bib number to ensure an accurate time—the tag records when the racer crosses the start and finish line.
All racers can also find their results online following the marathon. They can also download a certificate, which they can print and frame. Participants can visit an engraving stand in Scheidemannstraße to personalise their medals, though it is recommended that this service be booked in advance.
Also located at the finish line are fruit, water, tea, and ERDINGER non-alcoholic drinks. Racers who want the ultimate souvenir can pre-order photos taken at the finish line. Just imagine framing that with your certificate!
What About Out-of-Town Racers?
This marathon is hugely popular, drawing people from all across the country and even international racers. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from near the course, but booking well in advance is essential. Various public transportation routes and options make getting to the course convenient.
As for other attractions and activities in Berlin, expect to stay busy. You’ll find shops, restaurants, pubs, museums, and galleries. If you want something high energy, visit nearby casinos such as Spielbank Berlin at Potsdamer Platz, located at Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin. There is also Spielbank Berlin at Ku’damm, located at Kurfürstendamm 31, Berlin. Of course, you can also enjoy a quick wager in your hotel room with this UK casinos sites post by casinos.com before you head out for a night on the town.
A Fabulous Event for Racers of All Skill Levels
There’s no question that the BMW Berlin Marathon 2025 promises to be a fabulous event for racers of all skill levels. Whether you plan on racing or want to cheer on the participants, this is an event not to be missed.
